Under the Volcano

Main Characters and Their Development

• Geoffrey Firmin - a former British consul in the Mexican town of Cuernavaca. Throughout the novel, he battles his alcohol addiction, reminisces about the past, and contemplates the meaning of life. His character gradually descends into despair and destruction.
• Yvonne Firmin - Geoffrey's ex-wife. She is kind, sensitive, and deeply cares for her former husband. Throughout the novel, she attempts to rekindle their relationship and start anew, but her efforts are met with conflicting emotions and the chaos that engulfs Geoffrey's life.
• Hugh Firmin - Geoffrey's younger half-brother. Energetic, idealistic, and full of plans for the future, he comes to Mexico to start a new life. Hugh contrasts with his brother, being less cynical and more open to change.